■ noun
1》 the flesh of an animal (especially a mammal) as food.
↘ N. Amer. the edible part of fruits, nuts, or eggs.
↘( the ~ of ) the essence or chief part of.
2》 archaic food of any kind.
Phrases
be ~ and drink to Brit.
1》 be a source of great pleasure to.
2》 be a routine matter for.
easy ~ informal a person that is easily overcome or outwitted.
~ and potatoes N. Amer. ordinary but fundamental things.
Derivatives
~less adjective
Origin
OE mete 'food' or 'article of food', of Gmc origin.